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SINCE 1952
Rip’s has been an integral part of the local community. What started
as Rip’s Country Inn has expanded to include a Wine & Spirits shop that carries
an extensive selection of Maryland, domestic and international wines, a very
large beer section with a growler station, and a well-stocked offering of spirits.
They pride themselves on their customer service, and as a result, their custom-
ers have supported their business for decades. Their proximity to Annapolis,
Washington DC and the Southern Maryland region means that their customers
come from a wide area of the state.
Wine Manager Alan Murphy has more than 35 years in the business. Their
Maryland wine section, occupying several shelves in the store, includes at least
ten wineries from across the state. Murphy commented, “Our whole category of
local wines has increased over the years. Shoppers are now asking for Maryland
wines, period.” And as wineries have become more active in promoting their
wines and winery-based events, Murphy noted that there is an increase in
consumer awareness of the whole industry. He also commended the local wine
community for embracing the wide range of varietals that thrive in Maryland,
including grapes like Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Chambourcin.
At Rip’s the store staff tastes everything that Murphy tastes, so they have a
good understanding of what to recommend to customers. To increase customer
awareness of their offerings, Rips also conducts Friday and Saturday wine, beer
and spirits tastings. On Mondays they offer a 20% discount on 750ml bottles of
wine, and as a result, have started offering Monday evening wine tastings. One
of the best ways to take advantage of both the Wine & Spirits store, and Rip’s
Country Inn's delicious menu offerings, is through their bottle program. Any
750ml bottle of wine purchased in the shop can be taken into the Inn to enjoy
with dinner, with no corkage fee charged. Rip’s takes its commitment to local
beverages and local community seriously, solidifying its long-time reputation as
a local gem.
www.ripscountryinn.comMWP
Rip’s Wine & Spirits
MARYLAND WINE
TRAIL IN FOCUS
WINE STORE
PROFILE
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M A R Y L A N D W I N E P R E S S